Travel To North India:
“Mother India” is unique – dazzling, fragrant, fascinating, full of life. A trip to India stimulates all your senses! Immerse yourself in the Indian world of colorful saris, fragrant spices, majestic palaces, and sacred cows. You will encounter an unsurpassed diversity of peoples, religions, gods, impressive buildings, and landscapes on tours through India. India is also the land of contrasts: fairytale Maharajnah palaces in Jaipur and Udaipur from times long past contrast with the hustle and bustle of the pulsating metropolises of Mumbai or Delhi; The silence of meditation is just as much a part of everyday life as noise and busyness, poverty, joy of life and abundance. A tour of India leaves no one untouched, and seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra with your own eyes is simply unforgettable!
TRIP TO INDIA
India is a huge country, measuring more than 3000 km from travel to north to south and extending east to west by more than 3 hours by plane. This country is unsurpassed in its diversity of landscapes, cultures, religions, people and sights
fen. A trip to India offers an overwhelming wealth of impressions and experiences and leaves no one untouched. But India is also the land of contrasts. Be aware that when traveling in India you will encounter ancient traditions, different mentalities, foreign customs and customs, and also poverty – especially on a tour of India you need a certain level of tolerance and understanding for the country and its people.
The traffic on India’s roads is busy and chaotic, which is why all Indian tours take place in private cars with their chauffeur. When it comes to accommodation, we have carefully selected the hotels on our India trips. The characteristic heritage hotels such as Maharaja palaces or converted forts are particularly recommended, while the luxurious Oberoi hotels are world-class: our “Best of India” tour is a unique experience.
A trip to India touches the senses, including culinary. Fragrant spice mixtures, creamy curries, delicious tandoori, mild with yogurt, fiery-spicy, vegetarian or with meat – diversity applies here too, and each region has its own recipes.
INDIA TOUR: DISCOVER INDIA!
We have put together the highlights of India on various routes to create interesting tours through travel to North India and South India.
Northern India is home to the outstanding, world-famous sights. Above all, the Taj Mahal in Agra. But also the state of Rajasthan with its “colored” cities: pink Jaipur, blue Jodhpur, and golden Jaisalmer. Mystical names like “Palace of the Winds”, enchanted palaces like Samode or Mandawa, and impressive forts like Amber or Junagarh. And the epitome of India: holy Varanasi on the Ganges.
South India is particularly enchanting with its lush landscape, be it the waterways of the backwaters in Kerala, the tea plantations of Munnar, or the nature reserves of Periyar and Bandipur. A contrast is provided by the glamorous metropolis of Mumbai, the lively port city of Cochin, and the ancient temples near Mysore.
Goa, a former Portuguese colony, is one of the most famous beach holiday destinations in India, with fantastic beaches, good hotels, and various excursion options.
An India tour is an Indian adventure because it will be varied, lively, and exciting! You can also experience the exotic wildlife in a national park. The numerous national parks in north and south India are worth a visit. Round trip to India: colorful and full of impressions!
We would be happy to advise you personally on putting together your trip to India. Our round trip “Colours of India” takes you to the highlights in northern India, “Magical Rajasthan” includes the colorful cities in Rajasthan, and “Flavours of India” brings you closer to the south of India. A very special experience is “Best of India”, where you stay in the unique, typical luxury hotels of the Oberoi chain.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR POPULAR INDIA TOUR “BEST OF INDIA”
Delhi: The Vibrant Capital of India.
Starting point of the India tour. It starts with the fantastic accommodation. At the luxury hotel The Oberoi you will be able to start and end the day deeply relaxed. Roof terrace, Indian and Chinese restaurant, patisserie, swimming pool. Everything your heart desires.
Delhi (New Delhi) lies on the western bank of the Yamuna River. Here you will find unique Mughal architecture, galleries, museums, narrow streets, and spicy food such as delicious naan bread and samosas. In addition to highlights worth seeing such as the Friday mosque Jama Masjid, the largest in India, this city also has a lot to offer. Loud and cramped, but worth an experience, is the Bazaar district, where you will primarily find locals. The lively Chandni Chowk district has often been the backdrop to Bollywood films. On our tour, you will also visit the tomb of Humayun, the highly revered tomb of Mahatma Gandhi, and Delhi’s landmark, the Qutub Minar, the Victory Column.
Keep your ears and eyes wide open, because in this city your senses will be flooded with countless impressions…
Agra: City of the Taj Mahal
The wonderful India tour continues in Agra and you will experience luxury on a new level: in the luxury hotel Oberoi Amarvilas, just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal! Here you have the opportunity to enjoy a drink in the only bar in the world that offers a view of this architectural wonder of the world.
In Agra, of course, something very special is at the top of the must-see list: one of the seven new wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal mausoleum made of snow-white marble. A magnificent sight, like something out of a fairy tale book. But also the Red Fort
is worth a visit, with its beautiful audience halls, Pearl Mosque and idyllic location on the Yamuna River.
Ranthambore: between tigers and gazelles
It goes into the wild nature of India. It used to be a hunting ground, but now the Ranthambore National Park is used to protect Bengal tigers. You can come across a variety of exotic creatures here, as well as admire impressive flora. Something special about this area is the type of forest here dry jungle. However, you don’t have to spend the night in the jungle. It continues in luxury as you stay in the luxury tented camp Oberoi Resort Vanyavilas with your own butler. Listen to the sounds of the wilderness and enjoy the intoxicating scent of flowers on a nighttime walk along the torchlit gravel paths. As promised, an India trip for the senses.
Jaipur: The Pink City of Rajasthan
In honor of Prince Albert, Prince of Wales, this city was painted pink-orange before his visit, as this is the color of hospitality. The main attraction are the fascinating sights. In the pink old town, which is surrounded by a wall, a lively, loud chaos awaits you because you are in a bazaar. The landmark of this city is Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds. Let yourself be enchanted by its impressive facade, balconies, delicate decorations and the incredible play of colors between pink sandstone and blue sky. Other outstanding sights in Jaipur include the world’s largest stone open-air observatory Jantar Mantar from the 18th century, the magnificent City Palace with its museums and the magical Amber Fort, one of the most beautiful Maharaja palaces in Rajasthan.
Here too you can enjoy incredibly comfortable accommodation: in the luxury hotel Oberoi Rajvillas. An oasis to relax – between beautiful gardens, trees and exotic bird species.
Udaipur: The Romantic City Rajasthan
“Venice of the East”, “City of Lakes”, “Fairy Tale City”, “Kashmir of Rajasthan” and, last but not least, “City of Palaces”. Promising names give an idea of how beautiful this place is. Udaipur is also called the most beautiful city in India. Two azure lakes, the lush green mountains of Aravallis, fairytale palaces – a feast for the eyes.
The highlights of this section of the India tour are definitely the palaces. Be enchanted by the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, the Lake Palace in Lake Pichola, the Jag Niwas summer palace or the Jagdish Temple in the center of the city. The park Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Garden of the Virgins, offers relaxation in green nature.
On the banks of Lake Pichola lies the beautiful luxury hotel Oberoi Udaivilas, your home for 2 nights. Turrets, fountains and precious decorations create the atmosphere of an Indian fairytale palace. A magical place overlooking the water and gardens where you will completely forget about time.
Delighted Journey shows you the best: Experience multifaceted, impressive culinary and colorful moments during a wonderful trip to India.
Jaisalmer: the “Golden” City of Rajasthan
The “Golden City” of Rajasthan lies in the middle of the Thar Desert. The caravan city, built from yellow-brown sandstone, rises like a mirage on an 80 m high rock – a dream from the Arabian Nights. Jaisalmer connected India with Central Asia, Persia, Egypt and the West. After strenuous marches through the desert, the camel caravans made a longed-for stopover here before moving on with their spices, fabrics, ivory and opium. Today Jaisalmer is still a welcome destination on tours to India and Rajasthan.
Because the legendary Jaisalmer, with its medieval character, resembles an open-air museum. The havelis, the residential and commercial buildings of rich merchants, which are decorated with the finest stone carvings, are an architectural treasure. The gem Patwon Ki Haveli is located in the lower town. It consists of 5 units and was only completed around 1860 after 60 years of construction, with incomparably richly decorated bay windows, pavilions and balconies as well as paintings and mirror work. It now houses a small bazaar.
One of the most important sights in Jaisalmer is the fort, a monumental, still inhabited fortress surrounded by a defensive wall with 99 bastions. Within the fort are not only the ruler’s palace, but also other residential and commercial buildings as well as the temples. Through narrow streets you reach the five interlocking Jain temples from the 12th to 15th centuries. They are beautifully decorated with more than 6,000 sculptures and floral ornaments, dancers, lovers and animals cover the columns, walls and ceilings.
The Gadi Sagar, an artificial lake surrounded by Hindu temples and pavilions, is also atmospheric.
Jodphur: the “Blue” city of Rajasthan
Jodhpur is the gateway to the Thar Desert and fascinates with lively bazaars and blue-painted houses. Accordingly, Jodhpur is also called the “Blue City” or “City of Light” due to the interplay of the colors of the desert and the indigo blue of its houses.
A must on every India tour is a visit to the Meharangarh Fort, majestically located on a 125 m high rock and protected by massive 32 m high walls and bastions, with a beautiful view of the city’s colorful play of colors. On the entrance walls of the fort you can still see the handprints of the Maharaja’s widows who voluntarily followed their husbands to death in order to be celebrated as Satis (burnt widows). Inside the fort you will find magnificent palaces and courtyards from the 16th-20th centuries. Century, the magnificently decorated interiors, for example the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Shees Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) and the Pooh Mahal (Flower Palace) or the artfully designed gates with the stone carvings are particularly beautiful. The museum – considered one of the best palace museums in Rajasthan – displays treasures of the Maharajas such as antique furniture, traditional costumes, musical instruments, weapons, jewelry, palanquins, ivory inlays and miniature paintings.
At the driveway to the fort is the Jaswant Thada tomb made of transparent white marble. It houses memorial monuments for the late kings and rulers and is the mausoleum for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, who is buried here in a chatri (cenotaph). The Maharaja is said to still have healing powers and devotees come here to pray and offer flowers.
In the lower part of the city there is a lot of activity, in the bazaar around the clock tower flour and grains, fruit and vegetables, spices, fabrics, handicrafts, shoes made of camel leather and colorful bangles are sold.
Bikaner: The City of Camels
Bikaner, along with Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, was one of the three large desert kingdoms of Rajasthan and benefited from its strategic location on the caravan trade route to Central Asia and China.
The Junagarh Fort is considered one of the most peculiar palaces in Rajasthan. That’s why Bikaner is also a popular stopover on a Rajasthan tour. Over the different centuries, the fort complex was repeatedly expanded and changed, becoming a pristine complex with a maze of impressive temples, palaces, roof terraces, mosaic courtyards, bay windows, halls and halls. Gold leaf, crystal glass, mirror effects, Chinese wallpaper and Dutch tiles were used for interior decoration. The completely painted cloud hall, which was intended to explain to the children of the desert what rain is, is original.
In the narrow streets of the old town you can discover the artistically decorated havelis of the rich merchants. Built of red sandstone, they are beautifully decorated with patterns and carvings and are a special testimony to Mughal and Rajput art. The group of Rampuria havelis is particularly beautiful with their golden decorations of the highest quality, each haveli with its own pattern.
Today Bikaner is an important military base as the border with Pakistan is only 150 km away. The many camels are also typical of the townscape, as the state camel breeding farm is located just outside the city. This “National Research Center of Camels” is the only one of its kind in Asia and continues the tradition of the legendary camel corps. Today, camels are still bred for the Border Security Force unit, but the desert animals are also used in parades and film shoots.
Varanasi: Holy Varanasi (Benares)
Varanasi, formerly Benares, is one of the oldest populated cities in the world. Located on the holy river Ganges, it is the heart of mysterious and “irrational” India. Making a pilgrimage here is the ultimate goal of the Hindus, whose belief is that every person who dies here achieves a better rebirth. Through a ritual bath in the holy river, thousands of pilgrims hope for cleansing of sins, consolation and salvation. Countless people plunge into the murky waters, perform ritual ablutions, offer flowers, wash clothes and pray. The Ganges is worshiped as a living goddess with the power to wash away all sins.
The Vishwanath Temple is the most important shrine in the city. The roof of the shrine is covered all over with gold. In the Durga temple, sacrifices are made to appease the goddess, for example coconuts or hibiscus flowers. Another well-known temple is the Bharat Mata, which was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. It is dedicated to “Mother India” and instead of statues of gods, it houses a relief map of the whole of India carved from marble.
Varanasi is also called the “city of learning” because of its university, founded in 1916, as one of the most important places to study Hindu culture. The Benares Hindu University is the largest Hindu university in Asia.
There are over 1000 temples and shrines in Varanasi, the great Gautama Buddha taught here, millions of Hindus of all castes come here to pray and cleanse themselves – Varanasi exudes a special atmosphere and leaves no one unimpressed. This is where India is at its most Indian and probably touches the heart the most. A trip to India is almost considered “incomplete” without visiting Varanasi.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS ON OUR SOUTH INDIA TOURS
Cochin: The Trade & Spice City
Cochin is also called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” and the “Venice of the East”. Cochin owes its charm to its location on various islands and peninsulas in the sea. Cochin is a major port and trading city on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea. Even in ancient times, tea, cashew nuts, pepper, coconuts and spices were traded. A number of buildings are reminiscent of the colonial rule of the Portuguese, Dutch and English.
Most South India tours start in Cochin. The Chinese fishing nets, which can be seen from far away on the shore, are often visited. These ingenious wooden structures with the net were used by Chinese fishermen as early as the 13th century and are still in use today. The net spreads about 20 m in the water and is operated by about 6 fishermen, the entire structure is about 10 m high.
In the Jewish quarter of Fort Cochin lies the synagogue, the oldest synagogue in India, built over 400 years ago and equipped with precious blue-white, hand-painted Chinese tiles from the 18th century and valuable Belgian glass chandeliers. The Mattancherry Palace, also called the “Dutch Palace”, is often visited. The two-story palace was built by the Portuguese in 1567 and donated as a gift to the Raja (ruler) of Cochin. The assembly hall, dining hall, coronation hall and bedchamber have been converted into a small museum and display precious robes, turbans, carved palanquins and portraits of various rajas. The artistic wall paintings depicting the story of the Ramayana are among the most beautiful in India. The highlight is the oldest European-style church on Indian soil, the St. Francis Church (built in 1503) with the tombstone of the circumnavigator and explorer Vasco da Gama. He died here in Cochin in 1524 and later his remains were brought to Portugal.
The Backwaters of Kerala & Houseboats
The typical Kerala backwaters, this system of shimmering rivers, inlets, canals and lakes, cover an area of approximately 3200 Km² and lie between the sea on one side and the mountains on the other. It stretches between Quilon in the south, Cochin in the north and Kottayam in the east. These waterways were originally used by Sultan Tipu as a transportation system, but it was the British who completed the canal system. Today they are still important traffic arteries and transport routes for people, mail and goods. Densely overgrown banks, lush green rice terraces, swaying coconut palms, blooming water lilies, colorful houses of fishermen and farmers, children playing, transport boats chugging by – this is life and nature in the backwaters. The large Vembanad Lake borders the backwaters. Kumarakom is a small idyllic backwater village located on the banks of the lake. It is said that Kumarakom has more canals than roads. Flora and fauna are particularly varied here and the region is known for excellent bird watching.
A highlight and a lasting experience on every trip to India is spending the night on a traditional houseboat in the backwaters. These Kettuvallams wooden boats were originally used to transport rice, coconuts and spices, but have now been converted into houseboats. You can spend overnight comfortably through this fascinating labyrinth of shimmering water surfaces, canals, lakes and small lagoons.
Mysore: In The Scent of Sandalwood
Mysore is located at the foot of the Chamundi Mountains in the state of Karnataka. This city will be remembered by every visitor on a South India tour for its beguiling scents of sandalwood, jasmine, musk and frangipani (plumeria) as well as the impressive Maharadja Palace. Mysore is considered a very pleasant and charismatic place, it is also called the “Jewel of Karnataka” and is known for its silk, wood, ivory and sandalwood products. The outstanding landmark is the fairytale-like palace of the Wodeyar Maharajas, the Amba Vilas City Palace. It impresses with its wealth and perhaps also shows a little of the maharajas’ extravagance. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, this fairytale castle houses countless rooms. Elephant Gate, Wedding Hall, Durbar Hall – exquisite, expensive furnishings everywhere, impressive wall paintings, Belgian glass, ceiling paintings, gold-decorated columns, ivory inlays, silver doors – only the best and most expensive were good enough for the Maharajas. The royal museum is housed in the rear part of the building and shows, among other things, pieces of furniture, weapons, paintings, toys and trophies.
Another popular place is Chamundi Hill. A winding road leads to the summit, where the Sri Chamundeshvari Temple sits. Its 37 m high temple tower is decorated with a profusion of colorful sculptures, and inside is the golden statue of Chamundi, the patron goddess of Mysore.
As you stroll through the bazaar, the scents of sandalwood, flowers and spices fill your nose.
Periyar: Lake and Jungle Reserve
The Periyar wildlife reserve is beautifully located in the Kardamon Mountains in the southern part of the Western Ghats, between altitudes of 900 to 1800 m. It was affiliated to “Project Tiger” in 1977, which was dedicated to protecting the endangered species. In 1982 it was declared a national park and is now one of the most famous animal sanctuaries in India. The 777 km2 jungle reserve with its extensive lake, dense forest and grassland is home to wild elephants, antelopes, otters, wild boars, sambar deer, gaur, various species of monkeys, sloths, snakes, 275 different species of birds, leopards and tigers. Boat trips are offered on the lake with its bizarre dead trees. With a bit of luck you can observe animals. Elephants can often be seen on the banks of the lake.
Somnathpur Temple:
The small town of Somnathpur, 35 km east of Mysore, is home to one of the most beautiful Hoysala-style temples. The Kehsvara Temple is located in the middle of a large rectangular courtyard surrounded by a corridor with 64 cells. Three 11m high temple towers covered in figures of Gods rise above the star-shaped floor plan. The turned stone columns inside the temple and the incredible abundance of stone carvings are particularly beautiful. Decorations over 800 years old, worked out down to the finest detail, cover every centimeter. Friezes with elephants, flower tendrils, horses and riders, goddesses, sea monsters and scenes from the epic Ramayana radiate an impressive liveliness. 500 workers worked on this shrine dedicated to Vishnu for 40 years.
Munnar & The Tea Plantations
Munnar is the highest city in the heart of Kerala, the largest tea growing area in Kerala and one of the largest tea areas in all of India. The temperatures at an altitude of over 1500 m are usually pleasantly cool, and the former colonialists also appreciated this. That is why Munnar was considered a popular health resort of the British government in South India. Munnar lies at the confluence of three mountain rivers Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. The highlands offer breathtaking views of hills dotted with tea plants. Livestock is also bred here.
Where Visit First Times Traveller in India?
India is a fascinating and impressive country and leaves no one untouched. The foreign culture may seem a bit unfamiliar. For first-time visitors to India, the south is a little gentler as an introduction, with many varied natural landscapes. India’s north, on the other hand, offers great buildings and world-class sights, but also faces more poverty.
What is The best tours in India?
India is unspeakably large and unsurpassable in its diversity of landscapes and sights. At Delighted Journey we have been specialists in India travel for more than 30 years and, as connoisseurs, we have put together the highlights of India in four different tours. We would be happy to advise you personally.
India tour what do you have to see?
The ideal starting point for trips to India are Delhi for the north and Mumbai or Bangalore for the south. Agra is world-famous with its Taj Mahal, as are the colorful cities of Rajasthan with red Jaipur, blue Jodhpur and golden Jaisalmer, as well as romantic Udaipur. A visit to Varanasi on the holy river Ganges gets under your skin. The national parks of Ranthambore in the north and Bandipur in the south are also popular. Kerala in the south is particularly known for its waterways, the backwaters.
India tour for solo travelers?
Our tours are advertised as private trips with two traveling participants. We will be happy to calculate the price for a person traveling alone. A local tour guide will be waiting for you at each destination, your chauffeur will accompany you overland. This means you are always accompanied and in the best hands.
India tour with private driver
Driving yourself is impossible in India. On our private tours you will travel with experienced and reliable chauffeurs who will skilfully navigate you through the hustle and bustle of the Indian roads. This means you can travel flexibly and individually and make stops according to your own needs if desired.
India tour with Ganges
Varanasi on the holy river Ganges is considered the heart of true and authentic India. Our three private tours to North India, Rajasthan and Best of India can be combined with an additional program to Varanasi. This way you can experience the Ganges up close.
India tour with Goa
A well-known destination for beach holidays in India is the former Portuguese colony of Goa on the west coast, with its over 100 km long coastline, good infrastructure and friendly population. In the south of Goa the sandy beaches are beautiful and quieter, in the north they are busier, with various beach shacks and restaurants on the beach. We would be happy to reserve a hotel in Goa for you after your tour. We recommend, for example, the Taj Exotica, the Leela or the Park Hyatt, but can offer you other hotels if you wish.
Where is Kerala?
Kerala is an Indian state located on the Malabar Coast at the southwestern tip of India. It is a narrow strip of land that stretches around 600 km along the Arabian Sea. Kerala is best known for its backwaters, this unique system of canals, waterways and lakes.
Kerala, where to?
A good starting point is the well-known port city of Kochi. The backwaters, this system of waterways, are indispensable. The Munnar region in the Western Ghats is also worth seeing (extensive tea growing areas), as is the Periyar National Park with its lake. The South India tour with Delighted Journey covers all of these interesting places.
Kerala with children
A must-do in Kerala is staying on a houseboat in the backwaters. We do not recommend this for small children for safety reasons (falling overboard). If you have older children, don’t plan boat trips that are too long (it will get boring at some point). The Periyar National Park with its animal observations could be interesting.
Houseboat in Kerala on the backwaters
The extensive system of waterways is ideal for stays in houseboats. These have bedrooms, a covered veranda and a toilet with washing facilities. You travel with a cook and boatman and glide leisurely through the idyllic water landscape – unforgettable.
Backwaters in Kerala
The Kerala Backwaters are a vast system of canals and watercourses in southern India. They include various rivers and lakes, including the large Vembanad Lake. The backwaters extend from Kochi via Allepey and Kumarakom to Kollam and cover an area of approximately 1900 km². Stays in houseboats on the backwaters, including overnight stays, are popular.
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